You may have resume gaps — and that’s ok. Because, with the right approach, you can explain the gaps on your resume to a potential employer. And you can ensure the employer understands you are ready to fill this gap with a new job.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to explain resume gaps. However, there are several tried-and-true techniques that can help you provide employers with insights into them. These include:

1. Be Open and Honest

Give a potential employer an honest response to a question about a resume gap. This enables an employer to understand your perspective. From here, the employer can make an informed decision about whether to continue to pursue your candidacy.

2. Make a Plan

Consider what you’ll say before a prospective employer asks you about your resume gaps. To do so, you can conduct a mock job interview with a family member or friend. This allows you to practice how you’ll respond to an employer’s questions. It can help you become more comfortable with answering questions relating to resume gaps and other possible interview topics.

3. Accentuate the Positives

Highlight how you used the time in an employment gap to grow personally or professionally. For example, if you took a leave of absence from work to spend more time with your family, share your experience. This lets you show a potential employer that you used your time away from work in a positive way.

Can You Prevent Resume Gaps?

If you are concerned about future resume gaps, there is no need to stress. By taking precautions, you can guard against such issues now and in the future.

To prevent gaps in your resume, it can be beneficial to pursue temporary work. This allows you to gain hands-on experience in myriad roles. Also, you can accept a temp job that helps you get your foot in the door at your dream company.

Moreover, it helps to pursue educational opportunities. For example, you can enroll in college or university courses. Or, you can sign up for online workshops and certification programs. You can then use your time to look for work and advance your skillset. Meanwhile, you can avoid a lengthy gap in your resume, as you’ll be able to show potential employers you’re striving to improve your skills.

Keep your resume up to date, too. You should review your resume regularly and tailor it to the job you want to land. And if you find your resume needs a full overhaul, you can always seek out help from a professional staffing agency.

Partner with HCR to Grow Your Career

HCR is a leading staffing agency for job seekers in the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario. Our recruiters can connect you with top companies in your industry. We can also offer tips and guidance to bolster your resume.

If you want to grow your career or pursue a new one, we can help. To learn more, please contact us today.